Hicks says no plans to sell Liverpool stake

{image-liverpool fans_27022008.jpg www.oneindia.com}Bangalore, Feb 27: Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks has insisted he is not planning to sell his stake in the club.

The Texan billionaire claims he is completely committed to Liverpool and has rejected reports that he has invited Dubai International Capital (DIC) to inspect the club's accounts in preparation for a takeover. Hicks said in a statement: "Reports that I am about to sell my stake in the Liverpool Football Club, or to invite DIC to examine the club's books in preparation for such a sale - like other such reports planted in the UK press in recent weeks by parties with their own self-interested agenda - are absolutely and categorically false."

He added: "The reality is that I am personally, professionally and financially committed to the club and its supporters and that I will continue to honour that commitment to the best of my ability now and in the future."

Hicks and co-owner George Gillett have failed to shake off the belief that they are considering selling the club despite completing a £350million refinancing package last month.

It is understood Hicks has been in talks with DIC since the refinancing package was announced on January 25.

There has also been a breakdown in relations between the two Americans, fuelling suggestions that DIC may look to buy Gillett's stake in Liverpool.

Hicks will also be aware that he is unpopular on Merseyside - his son Thomas Jr was chased out of a pub by angry fans following Liverpool's match at Anfield on Saturday.